Nick M. Daniels is the founding Artistic Director of D.A.N.A. (Dancers Against Normal Actions) Movement Ensemble whose choreographic style is inspired by African dance and many modern and contemporary global movement styles. After attaining his BFA in Dance from Slippery Rock University in 1991, Nick created D.A.N.A Movement Ensemble and was a pioneering force in Pittsburgh for the exploration of race and sexual identity in performance art. Nick’s creative work often uses self-realized soundscapes and video imagery based in pure, raw emotion. Throughout his career he has toured nationally and abroad, receiving grants and accolades including The Young- Howse Theater Award for Movement Artist of the Year, The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts Preserving Diverse Cultures Grant, and a 2017 Freshworks Residency with Kelly Strayhorn Theater. Currently, Nick is developing work that will premiere in Europe, Central America, and South America in 2023.

Charis has been dancing for twelve years, beginning with Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre School. She trained in their pre-professional program, and took Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Summer intensive program. With them, she has played many roles in their production of the Nutcracker at the Benedum Center, as well as their Spring Performance at the Byham Theater. Charis has a Bachelor’s degree in dance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she completed their full Dance Arts program. She was a company member in IUP Dance Theater, and was in several different performances with them, over the years. Since graduation, Charis has immersed herself in the dance community around Pittsburgh, both performing and teaching. She currently teaches at Yanlai Dance Academy, at all levels. She offers ballet, modern, contemporary, pointe, as well as a strength and flexibility class designed for dancers. She currently offers group classes, as well as private lessons.

Lauren McKee is a Pittsburgh-based dance educator and performing artist. Lauren grew up in ‘The Weather Capital of the World’, also known as Punxsutawney, PA. Lauren received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance while completing two minors in Art and Adapted Physical Activity from Slippery Rock University in 2014. Since relocating to Pittsburgh, Lauren has performed works with Shana Simmons Dance, Staycee Pearl Dance Project, and Attack Theatre. Lauren is so excited to be part of the D.A.N.A. movement ensemble and is looking forward to working with these amazing artists!

Elanore Ferrara recently joined forces with the D.A.N.A. Movement Ensemble. Elanore graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Slippery Rock University in 2014 and has continued dance through teaching and performing.